Sadly, all humans will pay equally when and if the great correction comes.  This may be the ultimate lesson of humility.  In the mean time, appreciate your freedom to protest, to save wildlife around the world, to have the right to speak freely.  Most countries around the world do not have our freedoms.  I am grateful to be an American.

Reuse, recycle, and reduce your consumption but remember Indigenous hunter gatherers are the only people not harming the planet! If we remain humble with our fellow Americans we can share our perspective with true hope for the future.  I am an environmentalist in that I make decisions based on how they will impact the eco system and the whole.  I don't think anything in nature is a mistake or should be wiped out of existence.  We live in delicate balance with all that exists.  Humbly, I accept that I do harm.  Let's not be smug about our choices.  We all do harm and we are all here to learn.  Let's learn together with a cooperative spirit.  Wishing everyone love and light on our human journey. 

PS  Today I let go of judging negativity.  This may sound like rose colored glasses, etc.  It is simply the practice of The Four Agreements.  When wounds are healed we no longer react to those that harmed us.  What ever our challenges are, we can handle them in the moment.  

Suzanne Somers is a great source of information. She has done her research!  My personal views of western medicine based on personal observation and experience.  

Here are my positive observations first.  Emergency medicine is a modern day miracle.  Lives are saved in auto accidents and war in miraculous ways.  Neonatal care keeps babies alive at merely six months old.  I know people who are here only because of modern neonatal care and the intervention of emergency medicine.  Skulls being rebuilt and people being airlifted to a hospital from a remote location.  This is where modern medicine excels. Scientific research is still the gold standard.  When medicine follows science it excels.

Here is the down side.  A propensity to treat symptoms without looking for underlying biological causes.  A tendency to ignore all other evidence that contradicts the "western medical model of medicine".  Slow to incorporate modern technology that could save the lives of those with disease.  Slower to improve quality of life when chronic illness is involved.

Institutionalized medicine is about making a profit.  That doesn't mean every doctor is out there to make a big profit.  Many doctors work long hours for far less money than they would make as a specialist or proceduralist.  Yes, major institutions look at their bottom line.  Pharmaceutical companies make huge profits and pay there sales people extremely well.  Doctors are influenced by these companies.
www.pointofreturn.com/
At some point, I coined the term "the modern medical industrial complex".  My observations came from watching both of my parents die of cancer.  Within the last two weeks of my Dad's life, a doctor was going to do a colonoscopy on him.  He had already been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.  Was a colonoscopy going to prolong his life?  He also refused a feeding tube.  In both instances I had to speak up on his behalf.  Dying humanely when you have medical insurance that will pay for unnecessary procedures is highly unlikely.  My Mom had died thirteen years earlier of Colon Cancer.  They both had insurance and followed their doctors advice.   Ty Bollinger lost both of his parents to cancer and he made the documentary "The Truth about Cancer".  Links below
www.youtube.com/user/thetruthaboutcancer
www.chrisbeatcancer.com/
Science is making great strides but we are not yet benefiting from all that is being discovered.  We are not getting the best care possible. Stem cell research and the research being done on the gut microbiome may be the future of medicine.  In the mean time, we have to defend ourselves and our planet from what has become a truly toxic system.  Tim Spector has done some brave work on the gut microbiome.  His analogy that we are all a little world speaks to me.  "If we treat our bodies well by not polluting them, maybe we will do the same for the earth."  Love his thought process.  If you don't have concerns about cancer, skip ahead to his amazing work in the last two links
www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-are-the-consequences-of-antibiotic-overuse/
www.danielvitalis.com/rewild-yourself-podcast/rewild-your-gut-the-hadza-experiments-tim-spector-163
www.tim-spector.co.uk/
americangut.org/
My initial observations about modern medicine were from an enviromental pollution perspective.  I was mainly concerned with human pollution and the consequences.  Humans pollute in so many ways.  The list is so long and discouraging. Extreme change in our behavior will be necessary to preserve the diversity, beauty, and life of this amazing planet.  I do believe this current devastation is part of the human learning experience.

As we grow older, many of us, myself included, want to help make changes to leave the world a better place.  My personal definition of a better place is a more holistic world.  Living in harmony with the natural world we are all dependent on.  It is also very important to me to protect wild diversity.  I can't tell you this will make a difference in your little world.  You may never see a Wolf.  You may not care if we have Grizzly Bears.  The coral disappearing in the oceans may not concern you.  I am always amazed at how differently humans can perceive their world and one another.   The fire in my belly wants to wake people up to what they are destroying, what has already been destroyed, and how to say "no" to the sources of that destruction.  That's it.  

This is the beginning of a series of blogs that are going to focus on a discussion of the three major principals listed in The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.  The first "be impeccable with your word", the second "do not take anything personally", and the third "never make assumptions".  The fourth agreement is to "do your best".  If you are taking the time to consider this and put these three principals into practice, doing your personal best will follow naturally.

To be impeccable with your word is the most loving thing you can do for yourself.  This concept includes all of the words that run through our brain at any given moment.  We want to think thoughts that make us feel good in our bodies.  This is the best way for me to explain this.  If your thoughts make you feel tense, angry, or in any other way uncomfortable, then they are not kind to you.  They are harming you.  

Our thoughts become our spoken word.  If you are having negative thoughts about another person, most likely you have taken something personally or made an assumption.  Even if you are gifted with perfect timing and amazing tact.  You may be harming your self with your thoughts. Notice your thoughts.  That's the beginning.  Notice what you would like to change.  What is truly stopping you from making the change?   Does it feel better to be right, than to let go of negativity?   The questions are endless and we all have our own unique issues.

This blog is an invitation to discussion.  I am looking for kindred spirits and lively discourse.  Thanks for giving this a try and participating.

While dancing seven summers ago.  I wish I could hold her and share with her what I now know.  Every seven years seems significant to me because of my belief in astrology.  Coincidentally this seven year cycle coincides with my natal saturn return.  Seven years ago saturn was opposite jupiter and transiting saturn passed over my ascendant.  Saturn is all about lessons and learning.  Jupiter is about expansion and belief.  If you are interested in learning more about your own saturn cycles, please call or email.

Three months ago I returned to the eastern part of the country to spend more time with a sister who is in a nursing home and will never fully recover her health.  She had been in ICU several times this past year. This decision brought me face to face with my intense dissatisfaction with our healthcare system.  It also brought me face to face with feelings of fear and personal loss.  I had returned to my Saturn IC Line.  I will include a link for those who are interested in the meaning and symbology of Saturn.  This energy is neither good or bad but it is a strong dose of reality.  No slipping into denial without consequences.  The work I had been doing out west came to an abrupt end.  I found myself in a world that did not appreciate or understand my interests, passions, or basic physical and emotional needs.  It was a big test that left me searching once again for a better way to be and see.  
www.thoughtco.com/planets-and-points-206660
     
I had to make some changes in my immediate environment for my health and emotional well being.  I started to read a book that had been in storage for years.  The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.  I will add a link for this also.  I love Astrology for the amazing details it gives about us and the perspective of connectedness with universal intelligence.  Yoga and Reiki are healing and necessary tools for me personally.  Yet, I found myself still dealing with a broken heart.   

The past and the present were pressing in on my chest.  Heart broken for my sister and also feeling as though my dreams would never be realized.  My sisters dreams will never be fulfilled in this lifetime.  She was born mentally and physically handicapped.  She has always wanted a family and children.  My mother taught her a belief system that gives her some comfort.  She believes in a new world where she will have a chance to have a family.  I wish this for her even if I do not share the same beliefs.   I am keenly aware of limitation.  We are not all created equal.  Some of us, if not all of us, are born with some limitation.  I feel a strong need to be gentle.

When I started reading The Four Agreements again, I comprehended the application of the concepts more fully than I had in the past.  I could truly see how improved my life would be if I practiced these agreements.  The final agreement is "To do your Best", this is the only agreement I felt I had honored completely in the past.  Realizing I had been doing my best helped me with forgiveness because I could see that other people were most likely doing their best too.  Even people who are deliberately hurtful.  They are still doing "their best" with their beliefs and personal bias.  

​The book is written very simply and many people may not truly grasp the power of this process. The book needs to be read and practiced in order to comprehend it's power. The Four Agreements need to be practiced with close monitoring of our internal and external speech. Daily failure can be observed with compassion and a willingness to keep at it. Personally I find it more powerful than any religious teaching, yet it can be used along with any religious belief.  
experiencelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/28-the-four-agreements.pdf
​
In order to master energy, we must be able to master our emotions.  Feeling happy or pleasantly distracted until some person or circumstance irritates you, is not enough for true mastery.  It's so easy to blame the person or circumstance rather than process the emotions. When you practice The Four Agreements there is no escape.  You will fail!  You will criticize someone.  Most likely yourself!  You will take something personally!   The link below will take you to a site that has articles that will help you to monitor your progress along with the book.  www.toltecspirit.com/   

I hope you will join me in this practice.  I am going to set up a page for discussion in the future.  Here's to new beginnings!

When you are forced to make tough choices.  When life is "hard".  "Calling all Angels" may be the only thing we can do.

This is my new friend Roxy.  She is a Pit Bull that was used for breeding.  She lived in a cage for her first few years and was abused.  She is now loved and she is one of the most loving dogs I have ever met.  

It is my opinion that feeling peaceful is the most elevated of all emotions, yet it is the hardest to achieve.  We all know loving, generous souls that struggle with certain areas of their life that rob them of their peace.  Sometimes it is a health issue.  Relationship issues often cause the most strife in our lives.  How do we find peace when our health and our relationships are imperfect?  When we are peaceful, our mind is not turbulent or filled with worry.  Most of us are on a journey to learn to trust life.  If you are not feeling peaceful, you are not alone.

I find being out in nature makes me feel peaceful. You may find peace during meditation. Many find peace when fully engaged in some type of volunteer activity. Life will never be perfect and our fellow human beings will always be "human".  Experiment with activities to see what works for you.  Self acceptance and acceptance of others is also another way to bring yourself peaceful feelings.  Any time spent being peaceful will improve your health and relationships.

Below is a documentary about Joan Baez, Peace Activist and Folk singer and songwriter.  I would imagine that Joan has not always been peaceful but she has advocated for peaceful non violent resolution of conflict all of her life.  Following her conscience courageously on behalf of herself and others has left her a great legacy.  

This is a newspaper clipping of my Dad back in 1970. As you can see, he was in opposition to Joan Baez and the peace movement.  He served his country in the Korean War, coming home with three Silver Stars and the Purple Heart.  Medals of honor and bravery in combat.  He followed his conscience by protesting a movement that he believed was unpatriotic..  He was a life long member of the Democratic Party.  The Peace movement was not supported by either party at that time.  As a young child I was enamored with the songs of protest by Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez.  I was also proud of my Dad.  As you can imagine, this created an inner conflict.  I believe in non violent resolution to conflict. I also believe in the right to self defense and the "right to bear arms".   My conscience has made peace with these seemingly opposing views. 

Most certainly we must follow our conscience in the face of opposition. Opposition comes from people who do not care about us at all and from the people who love us the most. It has been my experience, that standing up to the people who love us when their conscience is in conflict with our own can be the most challenging. Holding a peaceful and loving stand in the face of opposition takes more courage than any type of fighting.  These are my opinions based on my experience and my conscience.  I fully respect that others may disagree!

Here's to the evolution of non violent resolution of conflict. Let's help future generations to be  raised with acceptance and inner peace.  

Love seemed the perfect elevated emotion to discuss so close to Valentines Day.  What can love do for us?  When we fall in love dopamine is created, making couples feel elated and energized by one another.  Who wouldn't dig that pleasure fix?  Oxytocin, another pleasure chemical is released during breastfeeding.  This can cause mothers to fall in love with their babies.  Since falling in love and giving birth are temporary experiences, how can we keep these wonderful chemicals pumping through us?  Hugging, kissing, and cuddling are also associated with oxytocin release.

 Are you feeling grumpy?  Go out and hug someone.  Join a group that nurtures one another with physical affection and praise.  If you are single you might need to get creative about how and with whom you receive affection.  Since we can't force ourselves to fall in love, we have to find other healthy ways to increase pleasure chemicals. You can create an environment of openness to love and affection from animals and human beings.  Having a loving and open attitude will bring new experiences that can increase the chemicals your brain needs for well being.

​www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20568672,00.html#-o-is-for-oxytocin-0

This is the beginning of a series of discussions regarding emotion and energy.  To quote Dr. Joe Dispenza,  "combine a clear intention and an elevated emotion--- those are the two ingredients."  Here Dr. Joe is talking about the creation process.  This series of blogs will be focused on elevated emotion and how that shifts our personal energy.  We must learn to access elevated emotion in the midst of grief and disappointment if we are to thrive.  What are elevated emotions?  Joy, gratefulness, peace, happiness, and sensual enjoyment.  We are meant to be engaged and thrive in a physical and sensual environment.  This is fundamental to the human experience.

This month I am asking everyone to keep a journal of your daily emotions and the causes of them.  Do they shift when you have certain thoughts?  Do they shift because of circumstances?  Are there people in your life that trigger emotions?  After a week of tracking these daily feelings start thinking about what brings joy to you personally.  Journal about the last time you felt joyful, if ever.  If you have never felt joy, have you ever felt simple sensual enjoyment from an activity or a delicious meal?  This is about energy management.  We are not going for a goal.  

I hope this assignment gives you insights into yourself and your relationship to life.  When you have discovered something that gives you joy, think of ways you can add that energy into your life daily.  Do not get discouraged if the answer is not here right away.  Persist in your observations!  

As the days get shorter, we are closer to the heartbeat of winter.  This full moon is energized by a near opposition between Jupiter and Uranus.  These two planets insist on expansion and innovation.  This can be an immature risk taking combination without the harmonious aspect each has to Saturn.  Saturn grounds us in reality and practical solutions.  Saturn is Sextile Jupiter and Trine Uranus into the beginning of 2017.  This is a great time to negotiate for the future. The Winter Solstice is marked by the alignment of Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus In the sky.  This time period is one of stability with the added benefit of innovation and new solutions.  All may not be well in the world but this energy is about finding solutions.  Act on your positive beliefs and allow the energy to support you.

Venus will trine Jupiter on the 26th of December.  Coincidentally this is a big shopping day and Venus loves to spend.  Sadly Mercury will be in retrograde motion much of the above mentioned time period.  We will be acting on ideas and dreams without the help of the planet of communication.  Mercury will turn direct on the 8th of January.  What we did not communicate in December will then need to be made known.  Volatile aspects will follow this stable time period, so now is the time to get clear on what is truly important to you and your world.

Personally, I am defining my dream for a united world in love, compassion, and peace.  The photograph of my neice symbolizes an expression of trust.  May the world be a more peaceful place for her and all future generations.

As we move into the Winter time of the coming year, we can use the energy of this moon to empower us on our journey.  This is a time for setting intentions and creating a plan of action for the future.  We are in a relatively stable time based on various planetary aspects. The world as we know it, isn't going to end just yet.  I have written in previous blogs about the Jupiter and Saturn harmony and the opportunities that may present themselves over the next 6 weeks.  You will need to know your own chart to understand how this impacts you personally.  Basically this is a time of stability with opportunities for new solutions to old problems.  We all should look at any opportunities presented us at this time carefully.  

​It's a great time to get back to work and adventure with the future in mind!

​www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/aliciakeys/holywar.html

The title of this blog is stolen from an Antje Duvekot song.  It is so descriptive of a Pluto experience.  I have been reflecting on my experiences with Pluto transits and Pluto energies. I have lived on a Pluto line for the last 15 months. My experiences are subjective so I can only share the wisdom I have gathered from my experiences.  Pluto is transformative energy that is experienced differently by each individual.

Transits and the energy of your natal chart help to explain why we all experience time periods and places differently. Most people never have more than a brush with Pluto during a transit.  

Here a couple of blogs from other peoples experiences to help put Pluto and astrocartography into perspective:  
​​http://www.moonkissd.com/writing/astrology-daily-life/travel-by-the-stars/
https://wanderingcosmicmusing.wordpress.com

For those of you more interested in astrology and the energy of the planets, this link may be of interest:  www.gaiamind.org/AstroIntro.html

My daughter downloaded this song to my iTunes more than eight years ago.  Never did I imagine what the next eight years would be like and how fitting this song would be for me.  No one in my sheltered middle class world would have made the choices I did.  It has not been an easy journey but it was necessary for me to see myself and others clearly. I am the wise and weary cohort of Pluto.  I have found compassion for myself and others to be the only way to deal with Pluto energies.  I now see the fears that motivated myself and others.  Sadly, we are in a time period in human history when everyone is facing so much fear about the future.  

I hope you enjoy the video below.  

This is a fun video with a brief explaination of the planetary energies.  If you are interested in learning more about the history of astrocartography google Jim Lewis.  

Happy Hunters Moon!  Hope the skies are clear and bright for everyone.